Ordinariate Ordinations in London

Where were you when JFK was shot? Where were you when the white smoke came from the Sistine Chapel that elected Pope Benedict? Where were you when the Ordinariate began?

Tonight, quietly and calmly - but with the beauty and splendour of the Mass - the face of English Christianity changed. Tonight the first three men were ordained for the Ordinariate in these isles and another step towards the fulfilment of Christ's prayer - that all may be one - was made.

John Broadhurst, Andrew Burnham and Keith Newton are brave men of great integrity who, only a few days ago, left their old lives behind to follow Christ's call and to take up the great challenge laid out by the Holy Father in Anglicanorum coetibus. These three, now in the full communion of the Catholic Church, gave up all they had been given and this evening submitted humbly to 'the quiet rectification', in Aidan Nichols' words, of their orders.

It was moving beyond words to be present at this momentous occasion.

The seminarians and staff at Allen Hall made us all very welcome indeed, and they pulled out all the stops both in the church and refectory.

The Mass began with Newman's Firmly I believe as lines of concelebrants followed the candidates into the chapel, followed by the Episcopal Delegate, Bishop Alan Hopes. The altar was simply arranged but with the so-called Benedictine arrangement with the cross at centre. The Ordinary of the Mass was sung to Missa de Angelis aided by a very competent Allen Hall schola. The gospel was read by the young deacon who proclaimed the gospel at the Papal Mass in Westminster Cathedral (I think), and this was followed by the ad sum - the calling of the candidates, their presentation and election and consent.

A good homily was preached by Fr Tony Philpott (I think), and then the candidates were examined by the bishop, and made their promises to respect and obey the Ordinary (with no reference to who that might be at present...).

The litany of the saints was then beautifully sung (as beautifully as Fr Trundle did at my deaconing in fact!) as the candidates prostrated down the nave of the church. After the laying of hands and the prayer of consecration, the new deacons were vested as the Veni creator was sung (in Latin to chant).

Each deacon was then presented with the book of the gospels and they shared the Kiss of Peace with their fellow deacons. Deacon Keith Newton then prepared the altar as Deacon Andrew Burnham and Deacon John Broadhurst helped Bishop Alan Hopes to receive the gifts from their wives.

Eucharistic Prayer I, the Roman Canon, was prayed over the oblation - with Fr Peter Geldard, Fr Mark Woodruff, Fr Daniel Seward Cong. Orat., Fr Marcus Stock, Fr Stephen Wang and others concelebrating. Deacon Burnham elevated the chalice and then he and Deacon Broadhurst distributed the Lord's body to the assembled concelebrants. During Holy Communion we sang Soul of my Saviour and heard the schola sing Franck's Panis Angelicus.

Before the end of the Mass, Cathy Burnham, Judy Broadhurst and Gill Newton came forward for a special blessing to aid them in their ministry to and with their husbands. The Pontifical Blessing was then given and Deacon Burnham sang the Orbis Factor dismissal in Latin - very well indeed! The procession left to Christ is made the sure foundation.

It really was a splendid and moving occasion. The Vice-Rector of the seminary, Fr Roger Taylor, then presented the new deacons with cufflinks from Allen Hall, and led a rousing rendition of the seminary song - with some fine tenors in Roman collars.

It's begun. Let's pray very, very hard.

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